New gene-editing method stop ticks from causing Lyme disease

US scientists have discovered a way of editing the genes of ticks, opening the possibility to researchers being able to alter parts of their DNA that helps them carry and transmit the disease-causing bacteria.

 

In a similar tactic to that used on mosquitos as part of trials to reduce the spread of malaria, the discovery could pave the way for genetically-engineered ticks, which are unable to spread the disease, to be released into the wild.

 

The approach involves using the CRSIPR/Cas9 system, which would see ticks injected with an enzyme that cuts off a chunk of their DNA that allows it to carry the bacteria which triggers Lyme disease.

 

Professor Jason Rasgon, developer of the technology and epidemiologist at Penn State University, said “Ticks are a formidable foe to public health.  We are in desperate need of new tools to fight ticks and the pathogens they spread.

 

“The (two gene-editing) methods can be used to develop new control methods for disease and also to further understand the biology of ticks.”

 

Around 900 cases of Lyme disease are reported in the UK each year, but the true toll is believed to be in the region of 3,000.

 

Dr Monika Gulia-Nuss, co-author of the study, said “Despite their capacity to acquire and pass on an array of debilitating pathogens, research on ticks has lagged behind other arthropod vectors, such as mosquitoes, largely because of challenges in applying available genetic and molecular tools.

 

“This is the first study to demonstrate that genetic transformation in ticks is possible by not only one, but two different methods.”

 

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Posted by Tony May, Partner/head of Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

 

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